GeoJSON vs GeoPackage: Full Comparison
GeoJSON and GeoPackage are both modern, open geospatial formats. GeoJSON excels at web delivery and developer simplicity. GeoPackage uses a SQLite database backend, making it superior for large datasets, multiple layers, and arbitrary projections.
Bottom line
Use GeoJSON for web mapping and small-to-medium datasets. Use GeoPackage when you need multiple layers in one file, large dataset performance, or a projection other than WGS 84.
GeoJSON vs GeoPackage: feature comparison
| Feature | GeoJSON | GeoPackage |
|---|---|---|
| Format type | JSON text | SQLite database |
| Multiple layers | No (one FeatureCollection) | Yes (multiple tables) |
| CRS support | WGS 84 by default | Any CRS |
| Large dataset performance | Poor (loads all into memory) | Excellent (indexed SQL queries) |
| Raster support | No | Yes (tiles extension) |
| Human readable | Yes | No (binary SQLite) |
| Web browser native | Yes | No |
GeoJSONWhen to use GeoJSON
- Web mapping with Leaflet, Mapbox, or MapLibre
- Small datasets where human readability helps
- REST APIs and developer pipelines
GeoPackageWhen to use GeoPackage
- Large datasets requiring spatial indexing
- Multi-layer projects in a single portable file
- Datasets in non-WGS-84 projections
Convert between GeoJSON and GeoPackage
Frequently asked questions
Q.Can I convert GeoJSON to GeoPackage for free?
Yes. Maparz converts GeoJSON to GeoPackage online — upload your .geojson and download a .gpkg file.
Q.Why is GeoPackage better for large datasets?
GeoPackage stores data in a SQLite database with spatial indexes, enabling efficient bounding-box queries without loading all data into memory. GeoJSON has no index and must parse the entire file.
Q.Does GeoPackage work in QGIS?
Yes — GeoPackage is QGIS's preferred native format for projects and data storage.